The adventures of a single woman who combines ministry with parenting a special needs young adult.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The First Sunday

Today was my first Sunday, and it was a wonderful day. The bell choir and choir were both in worship today. I met a lot of people, and am beginning to remember some names. There was a meal after the service, and the food was delicious. They presented me with a book that has pictures of the families with personal notes of welcome.

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There was a man I suspect is mentally ill who passed me a note as he shook my hand after worship. He needed to talk to me ASAP. I spoke to him briefly. He's coming in Tuesday afternoon to share his whole story, but I suspect he's schizophrenic. He told me he was responsible for the natural gas explosion in California several weeks ago, and it was also tied up with his former denomination. I'm sure it will be an interesting conversation. He told me he wants to join, and I need to pray hard that this denomination doesn't fall victim to the same conspiracy.

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Once again I enjoyed putting together the PowerPoint. I didn't get it done as early as I'd like, but was satisfied with the end result. I'm already doing some mental work on next Sunday, and look forward to digging into the research tomorrow. The movie that was scheduled for tonight has been postponed, so Daughter and I are relaxing today. I took a nap on the futon in the family room, with Daughter sleeping on top of me.

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Daughter has been overwhelmed by the welcome we have been given. She doesn't feel like she deserves it. I think she is just overwhelmed by everything. She sang with the choir today, and that was good for her. I received specific good comments from the lay leader, who liked the intro I gave him for the Scripture lesson he read. I also heard from someone who had received one of my birthday notes. He was thrilled with it. One man said, "We've been waiting a long time for you." I acknowledged that it is a slow process. He said, "No, you don't understand. We've been waiting years for you." I hope they remain as enthusiastic.

2 comments:

It sounds like you began your work there on a very positive note. You are happy, Daughter is happy, and it seems all the people are happy! I'm so glad everything has gone so well, so far. Now to get Daughter settled in some kind of program and I'd call the move a huge success!

RevGalBlogPals

About Me

I'm a pastor and a mother. I was ordained in October of 1985, and began serving this suburban congregation in October of 2010. In March of 1990 I was asked to take an almost 3 year old "for the weekend." Five years into the weekend I adopted her. Daughter carries a number of diagnoses: Reactive Attachment Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Bipolar, seizure disorder, and type 1 diabetes. She moved into a group home in November of 2011. She attends a sheltered workshop and sings in the church choir.

Followers

Important People and Places

Daughter became my foster child in 1990, shortly before she turned 3, and I adopted her when she was 8.

Capital is a state capital in the midwest. In October of 2010 I became pastor of a church on the edge of town.

Administrative Assistant is my keeper. She runs the office at the church, and at heart is an artist. She helps turn my crazy ideas into reality.

Program is where Daughter spends most of her days. She does some piece work and participates in some classes and activities. She'd like to get community employment, but still has some work to do to make that possible.

Sister Best Friend and I met in seminary. We vacationed together for a number of years, and then she got married. We still do some cooperative worship planning. She seves a church less than an hour away.

Far Away Sister is 4.5 years young than me. She lives across the country. She was an electrical engineer until she stayed home to raise Tall Niece and Nephew. Now that they are graduating, she is planning to become a high school math teacher.

Sister is 10 years young than me. She is divorced and the mother of Short Niece. She lives in the same state as Capital. She is a teacher.

Brother is 11 1/2 years younger than I am. He finally got married in February of 2009. He lives near Sister. They are the parents of Baby Nephew.